Lava Cap Reserve Chardonnay 2023

Lava Cap is a family-owned winery in Placerville, California. The Jones family planted their first vines in 1981 and opened the winery in 1986 on a special site in the heart of the Sierra Foothills. The family of geologists specifically selected this location for its prime volcanic soil that is particularly well suited to growing fine wine grapes. They named their new business after this unique "lava cap," where their grapes flourish in the volcanic soil, warmed by the foothill sunshine and cooled by gentle Sierra night breezes. 

Beginning with the first vintage in 1986, Lava Cap wines continue to win a steady stream of gold medals and awards from across the country each year. Their winemaking philosophy is to express the elegant and complex varietal character from each block of the family's vineyards. The winemaker, Joe Norman, handcrafts each wine using artisan production techniques to create wines with full flavor and depth. The vineyard manager, Charlie Jones, uses sustainable vineyard practices and integrated vineyard management strategies, he strives to cultivate optimum quality fruit while protecting our environment and ensuring a healthy ecosystem.

Growing premium mountain fruit is the keystone to the production of this unique Chardonnay. The vineyards are planted at varying elevations and aspects to capture an array of flavors and complexities.  The attention to flavor development continues in the cellar where this Chardonnay ferments in 100% French oak barrels. During fermentation the wine is stirred on the lees in a labor intensive practice referred to as Battonage, resulting in the slight biscuity finish. The 2018 Chardonnay fruit flavors are bolstered by pleasant acidity and a touch of oak on the finish.